While there is such a thing as expensive makeup that’s worth it, drugstore mascaras can be just as good as designer ones. And if you want to find the ultimate best cheap mascara, look at the applicator wand, volume, and how long the formula lasts. This speaks to its quality.
If you want to dig into the product’s value even more, consider how quickly you go through a tube. Maybe mascara is the only makeup you use daily, so one tube lasts a month. That means your monthly mascara budget is however much the product costs. But if you can stretch out a tube because you mostly go au natural, then that singular item could last between three and six months (by the 6-month mark, it’s recommended to replace an open mascara).
Below you’ll find some designer mascara dupes and cheap cult favorites. All cost under $15 (and start at just $1.29!). They’re easy to find in store and online. A lot of these bestsellers go on sale quite often. Or they’re eligible for discounts if you sign up for Amazon’s Subscribe & Save replenishment program.
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The Best Cheap Mascara in 2023
- Wet n Wild Enhance and Define Megawear Mascara
- Wet n Wild Mega Volume Waterproof Mascara
- Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect
- Rimmel ScandalEyes Retroglam Mascara
- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
- Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Mascara
- L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Curved Brush Mascara
- Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Vegan Waterproof Mascara
- L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2-Step Mascara
- L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara
1. Wet n Wild Enhance and Define Megawear Mascara
Wet n Wild without a doubt makes the best cheap makeup, including cheap mascara. But nothing quite prepared us for how stellar the Enhance and Define Megawear Mascara ($1.29, Amazon) works. The drugstore mascara does a fantastic job thickening lashes for a fuller look. And although some Amazon customers wish it were waterproof, it still stays put for long wear and is easy to remove at the end of the day.
“Not waterproof, but it’s good in a pinch. The price was right.” — Amazon reviewer
2. Wet n Wild Mega Volume Waterproof Mascara
This under $5 mascara from Wet n Wild ($3.99, Walmart) is one of our favorites. It comes top-rated by over 8,000 customers, with many praising it for its value, volume, and smudge-free formula. It even has vitamin E on its ingredients list, which means it works to moisturize the lashes while enhancing them through makeup. If you opt to subscribe and save, you can save up to 15%.
“Not waterproof, but it’s good in a pinch. The price was right.” — Amazon reviewer
Related: Best Drugstore Eyeliners Under $11 That Are a Great Value
3. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect
The Lash Princess False Lash Effect mascara ($4.99, Amazon) comes highly recommended by over 297,000 Amazon customers. The mascara is designed to create a false lash effect through volume. No wrestling with lash glue to get the effect of falsies? We’ll take it.
- Sold at: Amazon, Target, Ulta Beauty
- Lowest price sold in the last 12 months: $4.99 at multiple retailers
“My lashes aren’t long, and I’ve gotten compliments with this mascara on how long they are with just one coat.” — Ulta reviewer
4. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Not only is Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($6.40, Walmart) under $10, making it budget-friendly, but it’s also long-lasting and comes in both regular and waterproof formulas. In early 2023, we’ve seen it go on sale for under $6. Right now you can actually get a pack of two on Amazon for $10.97, making the price $5.48 apiece. However, typically this double-pack costs $16.98 on the site.
- Sold at: Walmart, Target, Ulta Beauty
- Lowest price sold in the last 12 months: $5.98 at Walmart
“My main pet peeve is mascaras that make my lashes stick together, but this mascara separates and lengthens wonderfully.” — Ulta Beauty reviewer
5. Rimmel ScandalEyes Retroglam Mascara
If you want to create a wide-eyed effect, the Rimmel ScandalEyes Retroglam Mascara ($7.79, Walgreens) has 4.5 stars from nearly 2,500 Walgreens customers. In early 2023 we’ve seen Walgreens offer a 10% off online code on it.
“This mascara really separates and extends lashes. It also wears well without giving you raccoon eyes. I’ll only buy this from now on.” — Walmart reviewer
6. Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Mascara
The Colossal Big Shot Mascara from Maybelline ($7.98, Walmart) features a wavy bristle brush that allows for even better coverage compared to many other under $10 mascaras. Additionally, you can save more when you purchase a 2-pack for $13.98.
“I think this mascara is great for people with little or small eyelashes. It gives great volume and even curls them. However, if you have long lashes like me, you might not love this. It clumps so easily and makes your lashes look very unnatural.” — Walmart reviewer
7. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Curved Brush Mascara
The L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Curved Brush Mascara ($5.66, Walmart) keeps clumping at bay while thickening the look of lashes by up to five times their natural look. We love it because even when dry, lashes feel soft to the touch. You can save 5% with your Target RedCard.
“If you want natural-looking lashes, this is definitely the best mascara for that.” — Walmart reviewer
8. Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Vegan Waterproof Mascara
If you’re on the hunt for the best waterproof mascara, the Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Vegan Waterproof Mascara ($11.99, Amazon) is one of the top picks on our list. It’s created as a sweatproof option. In early 2023 we’ve seen this go on sale for under $8.
- Sold at: Amazon, Walmart, Ulta Beauty
- Lowest price sold in the last 12 months: $7.22 at Amazon
“This lasted all day and even after a nap, it did not flake or run. This will be a staple in my makeup bag for sure.” — Walmart reviewer
9. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2-Step Mascara
The L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2-Step Mascara ($9.93, Amazon) features a primer on one end and mascara on the other, getting you more bang for your buck. You can even save up to 15% if you Subscribe & Save.
“This definitely makes my lashes more noticeable and lush. I like that it is all in one and dual-sided.” — Amazon reviewer
10. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara 2-Pack
Dupe alert! The L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara ($13.54, Amazon) is often compared to the Better Than Sex mascara from Too Faced, not just for its similar packaging, but for its formula. The volumizing mascara has 4.4 stars from over 97,000 Amazon customers who praise it for its thick applicator brush and lengthening effect. You can save more if you Subscribe & Save. Sometimes Amazon offers a 20% coupon on top of that.
“This mascara gives those high-end babies a run and for about a third of the price. It is worth the money. It is also very easy to remove when needed even though it is waterproof which is a nice balance.” — Amazon reviewer
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